MCMINNVILLE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon Baseball wrapped up its weekend series with a 6-2 loss to Linfield University Sunday afternoon.
Eastern wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as
Lucas Smith launched a solo home run in the game's first at-bat to give the Mountaineers an early 1–0 advantage. They added to their lead in the third inning when
Jace Nagler doubled to left-center and later scored on a single by
Carson Gerding. However, the Mounties were unable to generate further offense for the remainder of the contest.
Reed Stamps got the start on the mound for Eastern and delivered three scoreless innings, surrendering just one hit and one walk while preserving the lead. After a pitching change in the fourth, Linfield broke through with three consecutive hits to cut the deficit to 2–1.
Both teams were held in check over the next two innings before the Wildcats surged ahead in the bottom of the sixth. Linfield tallied four hits and five runs in the frame, capitalizing on three Eastern pitching changes to take control of the game.
Eastern managed just one hit and three baserunners over the final innings and was unable to mount a comeback, falling 6–2 in the series finale.
Rocco Lofits (0–1) was charged with the loss. Linfield's Wyatt Hurley (2–0) earned the win, and Zack Hampson recorded the save. The Wildcats finished with 10 hits compared to Eastern's four.
Eastern Oregon returns home next weekend to host The College of Idaho beginning Saturday, February 21, at 12 p.m. at Pioneer Park.
